Rashad Butler signs one-year deal with Browns

Offensive tackle Rashad Butler was lost for the 2012 season after suffering a triceps injury in the Texans’ preseason finale. (Cody Duty/Chronicle)

By The Associated Press

The Cleveland Browns have signed free agent offensive lineman Rashad Butler to a one-year contract.

Butler spent the past six seasons with the Texans. He was on injured reserve all of 2012 with a triceps injury, and he played in just two games in 2011 because of an elbow injury.

The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder has made 41 career starts in the NFL. In 2010, he played in all 16 games and made four starts at left tackle for the Texans.

A four-year letterman at Miami, Butler was drafted in the third round (No. 89 overall) by Carolina in 2006. The 30-year-old was waived by the Panthers in 2007 before he was claimed by the Texans.

Butler should bring some depth to Cleveland’s line.

Butler is the second player with Texans ties that the Browns have picked up this offseason. Kicker Shayne Graham agreed to a one-year contract with Cleveland on April 15.

The Philadelphia Eagles snagged three former Texans during free agency, signing linebacker Connor Barwin, tight end/fullback James Casey and punter Donnie Jones. Running back Justin Forsett and cornerback Alan Ball signed with the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars and safety Glover Quin inked a five-year deal with the Detroit Lions. Wide receiver Kevin Walter, who was released by the Texans, agreed to a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.